Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Praise
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The word "Banter" is often used to describe light hearted, playful conversation, usually involving teasing between friends. This question asks for the antonym of banter, that is, a word with opposite meaning. Understanding such nuances is important in reading comprehension, because authors frequently describe the tone of dialogue using words like banter, sarcasm, praise, or criticism.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Banter means playful, friendly exchange of teasing remarks. It usually suggests a joking, informal tone rather than serious or formal speech. An antonym would be a word that describes something unlike playful teasing. Among the options, several words describe joking or casual talk similar to banter, while one word suggests a different, more serious and positive kind of speech, which is praise. Therefore, the strategy is to identify which option does not share the idea of light teasing or casual talk and instead describes a different kind of communication.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a group of friends engaged in banter. They toss playful jokes at one another. If you switch the tone completely, you might have them speak words of sincere praise instead of jokes. Banter focuses on light teasing, while praise focuses on earnest appreciation. This shift captures an opposite style of communication. Teasing, fun, and gossip all keep the informal, sometimes joking tone, so they do not reverse the meaning in the same way. This confirms that praise is the best antonym in the given set.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Teasing is almost a direct synonym, since banter usually involves friendly teasing. Fun is a general word for enjoyment and is commonly associated with banter. Gossip is informal talk, often about others, which shares the casual conversation style of banter. Ridicule is harsher and more negative, but it still involves making fun of someone, so it is not an opposite, simply a different shade of teasing. Only praise shifts the tone from playful joking to serious positive approval, which contrasts most strongly with banter.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to pick ridicule as the antonym because it sounds negative. However, antonym questions are not always about positive versus negative tones. Banter and ridicule both involve making remarks about others, but the difference is in friendliness versus harshness. The question asks for opposite meaning, not simply a different style of teasing. Always think about what aspect of meaning is central and whether the option reverses that aspect, rather than just changing the emotional tone slightly.
Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to "Banter" is "Praise", so the correct answer is Praise.
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